Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon

A beautifully written story about a brave Sikh girl who learns that courage isn't the absence of fear, but facing challenges despite being scared.

Finding children's books with strong Sikh characters remains a rare treasure, which makes Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon by Amarpreet Kaur Dhami a welcome addition to any family's bookshelf. This beautifully crafted story follows a brave young Sikh girl whose courage is tested when a mean dragon arrives in her neighbourhood.

A Tale of True Courage

Ajooni is not scared of anything—or so she thinks. When a dragon moves into the neighbourhood and begins causing trouble, Ajooni discovers what it truly means to be brave. The story thoughtfully explores themes that resonate deeply with children: being courageous, handling disappointment, accepting that it's okay to feel scared, and still finding the strength to face challenges head-on.

What makes this book particularly valuable is its honest portrayal of fear. Rather than presenting an invincible hero, we see Ajooni experience real emotions that children can relate to. The message is clear and empowering: bravery isn't about never feeling afraid—it's about standing up even when you are.

Authentic Sikh Representation

It's wonderful to see a Sikh family portrayed naturally in the story. Ajooni's parents and Ajooni herself are Sikh characters, and their identity is woven seamlessly into the narrative. For young Sikh readers, seeing themselves reflected in a brave protagonist is both affirming and inspiring.

Perfect for Young Readers

Aimed at children ages 5 to 10, this picture book strikes the right balance between engaging storytelling and meaningful life lessons. The narrative addresses bullying in an age-appropriate way, giving children tools to understand and respond to difficult social situations. It's a story that parents and children can read together, opening up important conversations about courage, kindness, and resilience.

Honouring the Author's Legacy

Amarpreet Kaur Dhami (1981-2017) was more than a gifted storyteller—she was a humanitarian who dedicated her career to working with vulnerable populations, including survivors of human trafficking and HIV patients. Based in New York with her husband and daughter, she brought compassion and purpose to everything she did.

When diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in July 2016, Amarpreet approached her journey with remarkable courage and faith, documenting her reflections on living and dying. Though she passed away in August 2017, her legacy lives on through this beautiful book and her writings preserved at amarpreetdhami.com.

Reading Ajooni the Kaurageous feels like receiving a gift—a reminder that stories have the power to touch hearts across time. The message of courage in these pages feels all the more poignant knowing the extraordinary strength Amarpreet herself embodied in her darkest hours.

Discussion Opportunities

This book opens up meaningful conversations about:

What it means to be truly brave
How to handle bullying situations
Why it's okay to feel scared sometimes
Standing up for yourself and others
Dealing with disappointment

Final Thoughts

Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon is a gem of a book that combines beautiful storytelling with important life lessons. Annie Wilkinson's illustrations bring Ajooni's world to life, while Amarpreet Kaur Dhami's words deliver a timeless message about courage.

For Sikh families seeking stories that reflect their children's identity while teaching valuable lessons, this book delivers on all fronts. It's a story that children will ask to hear again and again, and one whose message will stay with them as they grow.

Highly recommended for: Sikh families, anyone teaching children about courage and resilience, classroom libraries, and bedtime reading.